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Song facts
“Love Is Strange” is the only song from 1971 Wings’s debut album, “Wild Life“, not written and credited to Paul & Linda McCartney. From Wikipedia:
“Love is Strange” was a crossover hit by American rhythm and blues duet Mickey & Sylvia, which was released in late November 1956 by the Groove record label.
The song was based on a guitar riff by Jody Williams. The song was written by Bo Diddley under the name of his wife at the time, Ethel Smith, and was recorded by Bo and Buddy Holly, among others. The guitar riff was also used by Dave “Baby” Cortez in his 1962 instrumental song “Rinky Dink“, also credited to Diddley. […]
From Eight Arms to Hold You: The Solo Beatles Compendium, by Chip Madinger & Mark Easter:
[this cover] was originally recorded (July 24th) as a reggae-styled instrumental known to the band as “Half Past Ten”. After the band listened to the track, they had the realization that the melody to “Love Is Strange” would dovetail perfectly with the backing. […]
So “popular” was the song that it was scheduled to be the UK single from Wild Life, backed with ‘I Am Your Singer’ as Apple R 5932 in January 1972. The single master was prepared at EMI on December 23rd, however, clearer heads prevailed over the holidays and the disc’s release was cancelled as it was not the best way to introduce Wings to the 45 RPM market.
Another version says that Paul himself objected to this idea ; and instead pushed to release “Give Ireland Back To The Irish” as the first’s Wings single.
Last updated on November 2, 2018
Lyrics
Baby, love is strange
Many many people, take it for a game
My sweet baby, love is strange
Yeah Yeah
Many many people, take it for a game
Yeah yeah love is strange
Love is strange
Many many people, take it for a game
Yeah yeah love is strange
Love is strange
Many people, they don't understand
They think that having love is
Like having money in the hand
My sweet baby, love is strange
Many many people, seem to take it for a game
Let me hear you sing it
La la la la Love is strange
La la la la Love is strange
La la la la Love is strange
La la la la Love is strange
Officially appears on
Official album • Released in 1971
4:51 • Studio version • A
- Session Recording:
- Jul 24, 1971
- Studio:
- EMI Studios, Abbey Road
- Session Overdubs:
- Oct 03, 1971
- Studio:
- EMI Studios, Abbey Road
- Session Mixing:
- Oct 05, 1971
- Studio:
- EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Official album • Released in 1993
4:51 • Studio version • A
- Recording:
- July 25th, 27th, 28th & August 1971
- Studio:
- EMI Studios, Abbey Road
Credits & recording details courtesy of Luca Perasi • Buy Paul McCartney: Recording Sessions (1969-2013) on Amazon
Bootlegs
Arizona Soundchecks 1990 Cactus Club Arizona 1986
Unofficial live • Released in 1993
1:52 • Soundcheck • Cactus Club, Arizona 1986
Wild Life - Ultimate Archive Collection
Unofficial album • Released in 2016
4:54 • Studio version • A
Live performances
“Love Is Strange” has been played in 1 concerts.
Latest concerts where “Love Is Strange” has been played
Nov 04, 1986 • USA • Amado • Half Way Station restaurant
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